City Power is on track with its project to install solar high masts particularly in crime hotspots around the Cityof Johannesburg, it has so far installed 19 in different parts of the City with 6 in Finetown, 3 in Orange Farm, 5 in Vlakfontein and 2 in Poortjie.

The project aims to provide lighting during loadshedding and prolonged power cuts in order to improve safety, it prioritises areas prone to vandalism of streetlights and high crime rates.

“The next phase of the project will include Eldorado Park, Slovo Park, Klipspruit, Freedom Park, Thembelihle Settlements and Narens Farm.The project is also part of City Power’s strategy to explore sources of alternative energy mix (AEM) in order to catapult the entity into a new era of inventiveness and sustainability.The feedback we have received so far from the community has been positive especially because the project targeted hijacking, robbery,and mugging hotspots. Already communities have approached City Power for more masts,” said City Power spokesperson, Isaac Mangena.

Mangena added: “This project also addresses the issue of vandalism of streetlights. In many areas streetlights are stripped of cables and other parts. The cables are used for illegal connections. This project will curb the vandalism of streetlights as the masts do not use those cables. It will also help with community safety as vandalised street poles pose a danger to communities especially children.”